Mike Lutzenkirchen, father of late Auburn star, to speak at MBHS

Area parents and teenagers are invited to attend a talk by Mike Lutzenkirchen, father of the late Philip Lutzenkirchen, at Mountain Brook High School later this month. All In Mountain Brook will host the event, set to take place Tuesday, March 22 from 6:45-7:30 a.m. at Mountain Brook High School.

Philip, a star football player at Lassiter High School and Auburn University, became a household name in 2010 when he caught the game-winning touchdown from Cam Newton in the Iron Bowl to defeat Alabama and clinch the SEC West. The win sent Auburn to the SEC Championship Game and eventually to its first National Championship win in more than 50 years. On June 29, 2014, Philip died in a tragic single vehicle accident at just 23 years old.

Shortly after his death, Philip’s family and friends founded the Lutzie 43 Foundation, charged with passing on “Philip’s many remarkable characteristics in terms of community service, leadership, and service to others,” according to its website.

Philip’s impact, the foundation website reads, went far beyond football.

“He was a loving son, brother and friend. He was kind and generous and someone who went out of his way to help others. Philip was a large presence in the community, both in Marietta, GA, where he grew up, and during his time at Auburn.”

The Foundation’s motto for young students and athletes is to “Live like Lutz, Love like Lutz, and Learn from Lutz.”

Through its message, the Foundation hopes to “help others live out the many positive character attributes that Philip displayed, while learning from the circumstances that led to his death.”

The March 22 event is free to attend. A light breakfast will be provided. To register, click here.